2026 MHLA Executive Committee and Board of Directors Announced
The 2026 MHLA Executive Committee and Board of Directors slate was formally presented and approved by the membership during the Annual Meeting held on January 8, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia.
The meeting opened under the thoughtful leadership of MHLA Chair Linda Westgate of Donohoe Hospitality, who concluded her exceptional two-year tenure by presenting the slate to the members. Her service and leadership were recognized with heartfelt appreciation. The occasion culminated in the ceremonial passing of the gavel, symbolizing both continuity and renewal, as Donnie Sutton of the BWI Airport Marriott assumed the role of Chair. Expressing both humility and enthusiasm, Donnie acknowledged the “big shoes to fill” and shared his commitment to leading MHLA into its next chapter.
MHLA President & CEO Amy Rohrer remarked, “The strength of MHLA lies in the dedication and vision of our Board. Their leadership and active engagement ensure we continue to advance the interests of Maryland’s lodging industry. I am grateful for their commitment and look forward to working together to shape the future.”
Congratulations to all new and returning Board members listed below.
Executive Committee:
Chair: Donnie Sutton, Marriott BWI Airport
Vice Chair: Skip Cerf, Sheraton Baltimore North
Secretary: Ben Seidel, Stonebridge Companies
Treasurer: Jim Starke, Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel & Suites
Immediate Past Chair: Linda Westgate, Southern Management Companies
Directors:
*Ernesto Carerro, Embassy Suites Bethesda
Chuck Chandler, Residence Inn Fulton at Maple Lawn
*Elizabeth Delens, Crestline Hotels & Resorts
Mark Elman, Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Len Goodman, Marriott International
*Scott Hamilton, Hilton Baltimore
Michael Henningsen, Plamondon Hospitality Partners
Yolande Lacan, Hampton Inn Baltimore-Downtown/Convention Center
Pete Mangione, Turf Valley Resort
Patrick Miner, Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/Inner Harbor
Tracey Omogbehin, Hyatt Regency Baltimore
Sandip Patel, Crossroads Hospitality
Bridgette Sloan, Sonesta Select Columbia
Sandeep Thakrar, Neema Hospitality
Baltimore City Council of MHLA: (appointed)
Onahlea Shimunek, William Fell Baltimore
Allied Directors:Regina Boston, Hilton Supply Management
Darryl McCallum, Ogletree Deakins
Jim Mumm, Sunlight Energy Group
*Nzinga Turner-Linton, Ecolab
Maryland Destination Marketing Organization Representative: (Non-Voting; Invited to Serve)
Amanda Hof, Visit Howard CountyHospitality Education Representative: (Non-Voting; Invited to Serve)
Elizabeth DeRose, Frederick Community College*New member to the Board.